Revolving filter.



N0. 872,616. PATENTED DEC.;3, a

0.H PAIRGHILD. REVOLVING FILTER.

APPLICATION FILED APE.1. 1907.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

PATENTED DEC. 3, 1907.

O. HFPAIRGHILD. REVOLVING FILTER. APPLICATION FILBD APR.1.1907.

noxsvmle.

3 SHEETE-SHEET '2.

No. 872,616. PATENTED DEC. 3, 1907. Q 0. H. FAIRGHILD.

REVOLVING FILTER.

APPLICATION FILED APR.1.1907.

3 SHEETSSHET 3.

- UNITED, STATES PATENT OFFICE.

oscAR'H. FAIROHILD, or DENVER, COLORADO, ASSIGNOR or rwo rursns TO WILLIAM ZAROHER DIBOLL, or DENVER, COLORADO.

REVOLVING FILTER.

Be it knownthat I, OSCAR H. FAIROHILD, a citizen of the United States of America, re-

siding at the city and county of Denver and State of Colorado','have invented anew and useful RevolvingFilter, of which the follow-. ing'is a specification.- 1 My invention. relates to improvements i filters; and the objects of my invention are: First, to provide arevolving multiple unit filter. 'Second, to provide a multiple unit revoluble and automatic sand-cake discharging filten; Third, .to provide a' simple, durable, and economically operating ,revoluble filter,that is operated automatically and in.- termittently to filter slimes ore-pulp solutions for a predetermined portion of its revolution, and expel -and discharge. the resulting sandcake during a predetermined part of the remainder of its revolution. .1 attain these objec'tsby the mechanism illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1, is. a vertical, longitudinal, sec: tional view of a revoluble multiple unit filter embodying my invention. Fig. 2, is a plan viewof the same. Fig. 3, is a'transverse,

. vertical sectionof Fig. 1 taken through the I supporting shaft.

'tical, sectional view through a portion of the hollow supporting shaft and one of the hol Fig. 4, is an enlarged verlow spokes communicatingwith the filter frames, and showing the valves whichcontrol the communication between the spokes and shaft. Fig. 5, is a plan view of the under side of a pair of the filter boxes detached from the wheel, thefiltering material being omittedf Fig. 6, is a sectional view, on line 6 6 ofFig. 5. Fig. 7, is an end view of Fig. 5.- Fig. 8, is a fragmental, sectional view, showing a modification in the construction of the ,Wheel. Fig.- 9, is a front view of Fig.8.

Fig. 10, is a side view of a portion of a wheel,

showing a modification in the form of the filter boxes. Fig. 11, is a vertical, sectional view through one of the boxes illustrated in Fig. 10. And Fig. 12, is a view of'the bracket supporting the valve trip-pins.

. Similar letters of reference refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral 1,

designates a semi-circular receptacle or tank of suitable width, which'is preferably -constructed oftongue and groove boards, and

which is adapted to hold a cyanid or other chemical ore-pulp solution or a solution of Specification of Letters Patent. Application filed April l. l l.907. Serial No. 865.837.

Patented Dec. 3, 1907.

- any kind. that requires filtering to separate the solution as clear, clean, liquid, from the ore-sander other material mixed with it. This tank is supported by upper and lower rectangular frames 2 and 3, respectively,

wvhich are connected by vertical timbers as shown. Within the tank is rotatably mounted a wheel 4, the rim 5, spokes 6, hub 7, and shaft 8, of which constitute an integral structure, The ends of the shaft 8, are journaled in boxes 9, secured upon the frame 2.

.The hub 7, is formed'with'axial chambers 10 and 11, which are separated from each other by a partition 12, forming an integral part of the hub, and axial bores 13 and 14 extend from these chambersto the outer ends ofthe'shaft. .A plurality of threaded holes extend radially from the chambers 10 and 1 1,

through the periphery of the hub, and in.

\these holes are screwed short sections .of pipe 15. At the base of each spoke, and projecting laterally from opposite sides thereof, are tu bular' valve housings 16, which as shown are formed integral with the spokes, though they" may consist of short sections of pipe which are screwed into openings in the spokes, if desired The spokes are hollow from end to end to form passage-ways from the valve housings out through therim of the wheel, and into each valve housing or chamber is screwed a short section of pipe 17; the free end of which is connected to the free end of the adjacent pipe 15, by aunion 18. Thus, each spoke is connected with the hub chambers 10 and 11, through the two valve chambers and the pipes 15 and 17. I All of the valve chambers on one side of the several spokes, are provided with suitable valves 19, which open or close communication between the spokesand the hub'chamber 10, while the valve chambers on the opposite sides of the spokes are provided with similar valves 20, which open or close communication between the spokes and the hub chamber 11. v

., The valves 19 and 20 comprise cylindrical plugs, having ports "21, which extend in axially from the inner end of the plug, and open out at right angles through the periphery of the plug so that whenturned to a certain position they either close or opencommunication'between the spokes and hub chambers. v

' The valves are each provided with a stem 22, which extends out through a cap on the end of the valve chamber, and u on the ex-' tremity of each stem'a bell cran arm 23 is secured, which is adapted to engage a pair of pins, as the wheel revolves, to first close thevalve and then open it at a predetermined point in the wheels movement. The pins 24 and 25 which operate the valves 19, are secured in a segmental bracket 26-, which is attached to the side of the tank and extends in adjacent to the bell crank arms so that the pins will stand in the path of said arms and the pins 27 and28, which operate the valves rim of the wheel, at the. outer e d of each" spoke, in such manner that they connect through the hollow spoke with the hub chambers10 and 11. v The manner of constructing these boxes is as follows:' 1

Around the rim of the wheel are bolted a number ofstrips-or sections 31, corresponding to the number of spokes, which sections are of a suitable height from the rim of the wheel and preferably of. the same widthas the rim. The ends of these sections abut, and they are each provided with a 'port .or passage 32, which registers with one of the ollow spokes, said passage being in the form I of a, T, the upper or horizontal portion of which opens out laterally through each side of the strip. These passages 32, are preferably placed' adjacent to the rear ends of the strips, relatively to, the direction of inove' ment of the wheel, the purpose of which will appear later. I

Transversely across these sectlons 31, are

suitably secured boards 33, which in length are slightly less than the width of the tank 1,

and which formthe closed sides of the filter boxes. Upon the sides of the sections'31- are secured battens 34, having ports or passages 35, registering with the passages -32.of the sections, corres onding battens are secured at the ends an sides of the boards 33, and these battens and the boards form a shallow box on each side of each section 31, which is open on the inner or under side, as will clearlyjappear by reference to Fig. 5.

i The open sides of the boxes are designed to j be covered by suitable filtering materials 36, .wlnch may consist of, first, wire. screen cloth, second, coarse fabric, and third, canvas,

though any suitable filtering medium may be employed. Inorder to hold these materials upon the boxes, the battens forming their edges are cutaway to form shouldered off-- sets 37, as shown in Figs. 5 and 7, over which the materials are laid; then a loop or frame 380f woodor metal is ressed down over the materials so as to conhne them between the ofl-set and the frame (Fig. 6), and the frames are held in place on three sides by clamps 39, orzany other suitable means, while at the ends adjoining the sections a wedge 40 may be em ployed, which is driven in between a bracket 41 and the frame. This manner of securing the filtering materials will permit of their be ing quickly removed and replaced wh'ennecessary.

In the end of the bore 13 of the shaft 8, is inserted one end of a pipe 42, the other end of which enters a suitable vacuum tank 43, which is-provided with an outlet pi e 44, and

witha pipe 45, leading to a suitab e vacuum.

pump, not shown. A stufling box 46, in the end of the shaft 8, surrounds the pipe .42, and prevents the ingress of air, as the shaft revolves around the pipe. At the opposite end of the shaft, a pipe 47 is inserted, passing through a stuffing box 48, similar to the box 46, and this pipe connects with a source of steam or of air under pressure. To this end of the shaft is keyed a sprocket Wheel 49,

which connects with a sprocket wheel 50, on

a drive shaft 51, on the other end of which is a belt pulley 52, which is connected with a source of power. A chute 53, is secured inside of' the tank on each side of the wheel, the

lower ends of which discharge through the sides of the tank, While their upper ends ex I tend up beneath the revolving filters to a, point where the said filters approach a horizontal position. These chutes are adapted T s ,to catch and discharge the cakes composed of fine ore sand which are deposited uponfthe filters, as the solution is drawn through them into the boxes, and which are thrown off at a predetermined time the admission'into the boxes of steam or of air under pressure,

as will presently be more fully explained]. The mechanism above described consti-. y

' tutes the referred form of my improved re-c volving ter, but in Figs. 8 and'IOIhaVe illustrated slight modifications of the :same.-.

In Fig. S-the valve housings 16, are dispensed with, and the wheel shaft is provided at' each en'dwith a plurality of bores or holes54, "arranged around the main bore, 'in' which the valves 19 and 20 are inserted. The hollow spokes 55 in this form, are'arrange'd inpairs,

and while each hollowispoke communicates with bothboxes at its outerend, their separate passages do not communicate-at thejbjase'j of the s okes, but openjdirectly'into the sepa=.

In. all other res 'ects, V and in the manner of operation, this w 'eel is rate ores 10 and. 11.

similar to the preferred form,

' In Fig. 10,1 have shown st ll anothei'fcon structio'ri, in which the Wheel-'56 .is-riiade 'much smaller in diameter; and a series of filter frames. or boxes 57 are bolted to its rim, so as to extend in the same direction as the spokes, and not transverselyfto the rim, asin positioned the boxes. take up much less latthe preferred form. 'Each side of these boxes is covered with filtering material, and thus eral space, and may revolve in a narrow tank, While the filtering surface afforded is greatly increased. In other respects this filter is simila-rto the preferred form.

The operation of the improved filteris as follows: The tank 1, is supplied with cyanid or other chemical ore-pulp solution from a j source of supply, and the filterbox-carrying wheel is caused to revolve slowly so thatthe filter boxes, as tliey'pass successively into the with solution.

solution,- are submerged therein for a period of time 'sufiicient to permit them to be filled suction through the bore or passage 13, chamber 10, and hollow spokes to the boxes which are wholly or partially submerged, all

i the valves communicating with which boxes Shortly aftereach pair of boxespass out of the solution and are emptied, the bell crank arm 23, on the stem of their controlling valve 19, contacts with the trip pin 24, by which .the valve is given a quarter turn, and closes communication between the boxes and vacuum tank. As the boxes pass on and over the upper ends of the chutes 53, the bell crank arm on the stem of valve 20, contacts with trip pin 2-7, by which the valve is opened, and a supply of steam or air under pressure is admitted to the boxes, and the cakes of fine ore-sand and mudwhich have been causedto adhere to the filters during their passage through the solution, by the vacuum, are thrown off, and fall into the chute, whence they are conveyed without the tank. .The' valve is soon reversedor closed,.by contact with pin'28, and as the boxes again enter the solution, the valve 19' is again opened by'contact of its bell crank with pin 25, and the former operationisrepeated.

The improved filter is'well adapted to the treatment of slimes, which frequently. carry a high percentage of value. The solution, after passing through the screens, is clear and clean and subsequently under oes suitable treatment for the recovery 0' the values which are in it one form of treatment being I Meanwhile, a vacuum is created in the vacuum tank causing a strong to pour the solution into a receptacle contaming zinc shavings, upon whichthe gold in the solution is precipitated, the mass being then subjected to heat, causing the gold to form in a button, while the zinc passes ofi in fumes. 1

The wheel mayllberevolved at any practicable degree of speed, and the-trip pins for the valves maybe set to open and close the valves at any predetermined time. Thus, the 'filter is automatic in its operation and only requires that the solution in the'tank I shallbe maintained at a'level slightly, above the axial center of the shaft in order to give satisfactory results. 7

Having described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is; 11' Arevoluble filter, comprising a semi-circular solution tank; a Wheel mounted in said tank so as to be partially submerged, and

having passages which connect on one side with a vacuum tank and on theotherside with a source offluid under'pressure, filter boxes on said wheel communicating with said passages, and automatically operated valves for controlling said passages. I

2. A revoluble filter, comprising a solution tank; a wheel mounted in said tank so as .to

be artially submerged, and having hollow spo escommunicating with passages in the shaft of said wheel; filter boxes on said wheel communicating with said hollow spokes; a pipe in one end of said shaft leading to a vacuum tank; a pipe in the other end of said shaft leading to a source of fluid under pressure; and automatically operated valves for controlling communication between said spokes and shaft. i

3. In. a revoluble filter, the'combination with a solution tank, of a wheel mounted therein so as to be partially submerged, having a hollow shaft, and hollow spokes communicating therewith, one end of said shaft being connected with a vacuum tank, while the other end is connected with a source of fluid under pressure; filter boxes on said whee communicating with said hollow spokes, and valves which are automatically operated as the wheel revolves, to open oi close communication between the hollow spokes'and shaft at any predetermined point in the travel of the wheel.

' 4. .In a revoluble filter, the combination with a semi-circular solution tank, of a Wheel mounted therein, having hollow spokescom municating with ahollow shaft and automatically operated valves for controllin communication between the. spokes and shaft; filter boxes on said wheel communieating with the hollow spokes; a-pipe in-one end of the shaft connecting with a vacuum tank; 'a pipe in the other end of the shaft connecting with'a source of fluid under pressure, a partition in'said hollow shaft forming independent passages on each side of its centank, while the other is connected with a tea -and a power-drivenwheel on one end of se d hefif Ina revoluble filter, the combination with a solution tank, of a wheel mounted thereon so as to be partially submerged therein, having a shaft provided with independent axial passages extending from each end and separated by a central partition, and

hollow spokes connecting at their lower ends with the independent passages in the shaft;

automatically operated valves on each side of the ,spokes at their lower ends, which control communication between the spokes and the separate shaft passages; pipes in the ends of the shaft, connecting respectively with a vacuum tank and a source of fluid under pressure; filter boxes secured to the wheel at the extremities of the spokes and communicatingwith said spokes; and a sprocket wheel on one end of said shaft connected by a chain with a wheel on a ower-driven shaft.

6. In a revolu le filter, the combination with a solution tank, .of a wheel mounted therein so as to be partially submerged, havmg a shaft formed with an axial passage extending from each end, separated centrally of the shaft by a partition, and hollow spokes communicating at their lower ends with the separate shaft assages, valves at the lower end of each spo (e, filter boxes at the extremi ties of the spokes and communicatingwith them, chutes extended to lie beneath the uppermost boxes; pipes in the ends of the shaft, which lead respectively to a vacuum tank and a source of fluid under pressure, and means for automatically opening and closin the valves at any predetermined point in the travel of the wheel.

7. In a revoluble filter, the combination with a solution tank, of a wheel mounted therein, having a shaft provided withaxial passages separated by a central partition, andhollow spokes connectingat their lower ends with said passages pipes in the ends of said shaft leading respectively to a vacuumtank and to a source of fluid under pressure; filter boxes extending transversely across the rim of the wheel, and connecting with said hollow spokes; chutes arranged to extend u u der the uppermost troughs, and to disc arge withoutthe tank, and valves for controlling communication between the spokes and shaft passages, having projecting stems term nating in bell crank arms, and pins arranged'in t e path of said bellcrankarms, 'fby which said valves are opened and closed rat-predetermined points in the travel of the Wheel.

8: .In a revoluble filter, the combination with a solution tank of a wheel mounted therein, having hollow' spokes, and a shaft having an axial passage extending in. from each end to a dividing partition, one of said passages being connected with a vacuum source of fluid under pressure, valve housings extending from each side of the base of the several hubs, having axial valve chambers which intersect the hollow of the hub; pipes connecting the valve housings with the shaft passages; cylindrical plug valves in J. In a revoluble-filter, the combination.

with a solution tank of a wheel mounted to stand partially within said tank, having a pair of. axial chan'ibers in its hub separated by a partition, and passages extending from said chambers to the ends of a supporting shaft integral with the hub, one of which connects with a vacuum tank and the other with a source of fluid under pressure, said chambers being provided with radial holes extending through the hub; hollow spokes having cylindrical valve casings extending from opposite sides of their lower ends; pipes extending from the radial holes of'thehub chambers and connected with the valve easings; valves in said casings for controlling communication between the hollow'spokes .and chambers, having projecting stems terminating in bell crank arms, pins adjustably secured in a bracket for operating the valves at predetermined points in the wheels movement; filter boxes arranged transversely across the rim ofthe wheel, and communicating with the hollow spokes, and a chute on each side of the wheel extended adjacent to the under side of the uppermost boxes, and

which is arranged to connect with a vacuum tank and the other with a source of fluid under pressure; filter boxes on the r1m.of i

said wheel communicating with the hollow spokes and valves automatically operated at predetermined'points in the travel of the Wheel, foropening or closing communication between the spokes and shaft passage.

11. In a revoluble filter, the combination with a wheel, comprising a shaft having independent-axial passages terminating in chamerswhich are separated by a part1t1on,'sa1d passages connecting respectively with-a vacuum tank, and a source of fluid under pressure, hollow spokes, and filter boxes at the ends of said spokes arranged'in pairs which.

communicate with each other and with the chambers and hollow spokes, at predeterspoke, of-me-ans for automatically 0 ening and closing communication between t e said mined times, comprising valves arranged on opposite sides of the spokes, having extended stems which terminate in bell crank arms, and pins adjustably secured in the path of the bell crank arms.

. 12. In a revoluble filter, the combination with a Wheel comprising a shaft, having independent axial passages terminating in chambers which are separated by aartition,

said passages connecting respective y with a vacuum tank, and a source of fluid under pressure, and hollow spokes communicatin with said chambers, of filter boxes arranged in pairs at the extremity of each spoke,

which communicate with each other and with the spoke, filtering material on the inner side of each box, and means for detachably securing said material tothe box, and automatically operated valves for opening or closing communication between the spokes and shaft passages at predetermined points in the travel of the Wheel.

Intestimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

OSCAR H. FAIRCHILD. Witnesses:

LITTLEFIELD, ADELLA, M. FoWLE. 

